ISBN barcodes and EAN-13 barcodes may look alike, but they serve different purposes in the publishing and retail industries.
Understanding these differences is essential for authors, publishers, and anyone involved in selling books or retail products. Let's break it down for you.
What Is an ISBN Barcode?
An ISBN barcode is a unique identifier for books. It represents the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) assigned to every published book and its various formats, such as hardcover, paperback, or e-book.
ISBN barcodes are generated from a special version of the EAN-13 barcode. They always start with the prefixes 978 or 979, signaling that the product is a book.
This barcode ensures that your book can be recognized by bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide.
What Is an EAN-13 Barcode?
The EAN-13 barcode, short for European Article Number, is a global standard for identifying retail products. It's not exclusive to books, you'll find EAN-13 barcodes on groceries, electronics, clothing, and more.
EAN-13 barcodes encode product details, such as the manufacturer and item type, using a 13-digit format. They're an essential part of retail logistics, helping businesses track and manage inventory efficiently.
Key Differences Between ISBN Barcode and EAN-13
1. Industry-Specific vs. Universal
ISBN barcodes are specifically for books, while EAN-13 barcodes are used for all kinds of retail items.
2. Prefix
ISBN barcodes begin with 978 or 979, indicating their link to the book industry. Other EAN-13 barcodes use various prefixes depending on the product type and region.
3. Purpose
ISBN barcodes help booksellers and publishers track titles across different formats and editions. EAN-13 barcodes manage retail products on a larger scale.
4. Terminology
ISBN barcodes are sometimes called "Bookland EAN" to clarify their connection to books, even though they follow the EAN-13 format.
Why This Difference Matters
If you're an author or publisher, using an ISBN barcode is a must. It ensures your book is cataloged correctly and available for purchase in stores and online.
For retail businesses, EAN-13 barcodes simplify inventory and sales tracking.
Creating an ISBN barcode has never been easier.
With tools like our ISBN barcode generator, you can quickly produce industry-compliant barcodes that guarantee your book is ready for global distribution.
ISBN barcodes and EAN-13 barcodes are essential tools for identifying and managing products, but they serve very different purposes.
Knowing when to use an ISBN barcode versus an EAN-13 barcode can save you time and ensure your products meet industry standards.
Ready to generate an ISBN barcode for your book?
Visit our webiste to get started today! Simplify your publishing process with our free online ISBN barcode generator.
